Bassway Strip State Wildlife Area, near Kearney, Nebraska, is a straightforward spot for those looking to pull off the road and catch some rest. It’s a no-frills location with no facilities, making it perfect for a quick overnight stay while traveling.

This area is right next to the interstate, so you can expect some highway noise, especially at night. Visitors have mentioned that it’s a decent place to sleep, especially if you’re just passing through, with a flat, established dirt road and multiple pull-offs for parking. As one camper noted, “Great overnight spot! Such a nice surprise to come across this camping spot.”

If you’re into fishing or hiking, you’ll find some beautiful trails nearby, although the proximity to the highway can be a downside for those seeking peace and quiet. The wildlife area is also a popular spot for hunters, so keep that in mind if you’re planning a visit.

While there are no amenities like water or restrooms, the location is free and doesn’t require a permit, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers. Just be prepared for a bit of nature—some campers have reported waking up to a few critters around their tents. If you’re looking for a simple place to crash while on the road, Bassway Strip might just fit the bill.

Bassway Strip State Wildlife Area

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Kearney, NE is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Kearney. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Kearney

The Best Camping Near Kearney, Nebraska

Basic primitive campsites along a gravel road, no fires, can stay up to 3 nights max, and is about 200 yard from the interstate. So I wouldn't recommend this spot if the highway noise bothers you.

A fat possum waddled up to me when I was setting up my tent in the dark since I pulled up to this spot late at night. He didn't bother me when I was sleeping but gave me a good scare. Saw him walking around again a bit later so it presumably lives there.

Beware of Possum

Free. No facilities. Flat, established, wide dirt road. Multiple pull offs for camping, mostly flat. Cross a bridge to get there - dual axel limit 10 Tons. Trailer limit 23 Tons. 
Next to I-80 so some highway drone. 
Max of 3 days in 6 day period. 

Great overnight spot! Such a nice surprise to come across this camping spot. Thank you! 

(Photo is our vehicle parked for the night)


Great overnight spot! 

This is a general parking area for folks that want to fish, or use the beautiful, paved and lit hiking trail. However, it is close to I-80, so traffic noise is bad at night.

Nice location if you want to hike or fish

Good for pulling off into while on a road trip. There's a road sign that marks it (not in the exact spot shown on map here). No facilities but less than 10 miles from the next rest stop. No one here on a busy travel Saturday when the rest stops were busy. 

Convenient gravel lot off 80

Woke up with tent covered in pill bugs and some ticks... It is also right next to the highway so it is kind of noisy. Kind of dirty with some trash, broken glass, and ammo because it's a hunting and

Not so great for tenting. Would only use it for overnight if you are driving through.

Like others have said, it’s right next to the interstate so you hear traffic and truckers all night. I spent 2 nights here in February in a tent. It wasn’t nice but it was a place to sleep while in town for a class. 

Photos of Bassway Strip State Wildlife Area

Real photos from real campers